Welcome!
In 2013, I traveled around the world, visited 22 countries, volunteered with social service organizations, studied language and religion, and visited cultural and historical landmarks. Welcome to the story of my trip!
If you are interested in talking about long-term travel, specific places or experiences in this blog, or just want to say hello, please feel free to write to me using the Contact page linked above. -Michael
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Author Archives: Michael Tucker
How to Plan a Trip Around the World
The planning and preparation for my around-the-world trip was part of the fun. In case you are thinking of taking your own trip and could use a game plan, here is how I did it. This post includes: A pre-trip … Continue reading
Posted in 1. Planning Your Trip / Reflections and Lessons
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A Trip Around the World – Lessons Learned
Seeing wonders such as Christo Redentor, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. Trekking in Peru and Nepal. Camping in the Amazon. Hitting the beach in Tamarindo, Florianopolis, Cancún, and Marseille. Eating and drinking at Buenos Aires parrillas, Rio de Janeiro … Continue reading
Vietnam – Hanoi
Although its overall feel is casual, Hanoi has an measure of upscale in its mix. It is a fun place for shopping, and while you could browse designer stores such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo, the real action … Continue reading
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Vietnam – Hoi An
While the fish I have eaten in Vietnam have been delicious, they have not been the only source of fish flavor in the cuisine. After having eaten “fish sauce” with virtually every meal, I looked up the recipe: liquid extract … Continue reading
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Vietnam – Saigon
Saigon is a city in motion, and one of its signature features is the preponderance of motorbikes. They swarm the streets, park on the sidewalks, and even double as unlikely day beds with folks sprawling out over the tops of … Continue reading
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Thailand – Bangkok
Remembering all those episodes of “No Reservations”, I felt particularly smug sitting on a tiny plastic stool and sweating over a steaming bowl of noodles in a dim Bangkok alley. Like Tony Bourdain, this city has a way of making … Continue reading
Posted in Thailand - Bangkok
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India – Agra & Ranthambore
While Phil Specter is the acknowledged creator of the “Wall of Sound”, the Indian inventor of the “Wall of Smell” remains anonymous. His ingenuity, however, can be found in a variety of unexpected locations–olfactory force fields that leave one staggering … Continue reading
Posted in India - Agra & Ranthambore, India - Jaipur
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India – Rajasthan Road Trip
This week in Jaipur I visited the two sites that are now my favorites in the city: Galtaji (The Monkey Temple) and Amber Fort. Galtaji is a complex of Hindu temples set on a hill with craggy, reddish rock formations … Continue reading
India – Jaipur
The streets of Jaipur have lived up to my hopes of India madness. Divided highways with cars driving both ways on both sides, motorcycles claiming right of way via horn, colorful textiles, fruits, and flowers for sale in roadside stalls, … Continue reading
Posted in India - Jaipur
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Nepal – Discovering Buddhism at Kopan Monastery
Technically still within Kathmandu but practically a world away, Kopan Monastery sits high on a hill and above the noise and chaos of the city. Upon checking in for the 10-day “Discovering Buddhism” course I was immediately relieved and impressed … Continue reading
Posted in Nepal - Kopan Monastery
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